ANSONIA, Conn. — Growing up is hard, and for members of the LGBTQ plus community it can be a nightmare.

This has led to some LGBTQ students dropping out of school entirely.

However, the latest effort from the Naugatuck Valley’s first LGBTQ plus academic center wants to prevent that from happening.

At the corner of Bridge and Main, one can find the newest lifeline for LGBTQ+ kids in Ansonia . It's The Valley Proud Center.

“I think this is a defining moment,” said Patty Nicolari, Proud Academy founder, at the grand opening on Thursday.

Nicolari is an Ansonia native and says the center aims to provide tutoring and academic support for local middle school students, with additional support groups for students up through the 12th grade.

"I had five middle school students come in and say

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